The District #18 Board of Education last week got a “hands-on” look at the newest course offering being made available to high school students.
EHS senior Carter Schindler and foreign exchange student Oliver Kuhn gave a brief demonstration of new equipment recently purchased for a broadcast journalism class being offered to students by instructor Stacy Shumake-Henn. During the presentation, which lasted approximately 10 minutes, Schindler and Kuhn explained the use of technology being used in the audio/video studio located on the upper floor of the high school building.
According to Henn, Some EPS students are enrolled in a new adventure this semester.
Broadcast Journalism has been added to the second semester schedule.
According to instructor Stacy Shumake-Henn, a total of seven students are taking the class.
“I have an endorsement in journalism, so we’ve been trying to figure out how to work it into our schedule,” said Shumake-Henn. “I have more experience in print journalism, but we also wanted to provide some different opportunities for our students.
After discussing the possibilities, Shumake-Henn and EPS guidance counselor Sonia Rittscher traveled to O’Neill to observe their journalism class.
“They do a live broadcast of the announcements every morning in addition to some features and news bits, so they have been very helpful,” said Shumake-Henn.
She also commended Rittscher and senior Carter Schindler for their roles.
“Mrs. Rittscher found a grant through ESU 8 that paid for about half of our start-up costs. Carter then began researching the equipment we’d need, and the administration and school board graciously agreed to give us the go-ahead.”
After converting a portion of a computer lab into a studio area over Christmas break, the class quickly got to work.
“We have been fortunate enough to have EPS alumni Dylan Widger on hand to show us the ropes. He’s a dual major in broadcast-production and journalism at UNL, and he has a tremendous amount of experience.”
The group plans to produce a number of newscasts covering school events, as well as various other projects.
“We’re excited about all of the possibilities. We have a great group of kids, and we’re all learning something new every day.”
